Forensic Investigation of alleged killings of Protesters in Nigeria

The past few days in the country have been one of the most tensed and uncertain in living memory. The alleged violent disruption of ongoing protests against police brutality and related issues by the security forces, who allegedly shot at the protesters, especially in Lagos, has generated both national and international furore and condemnation. The news media is awash with different accounts of the incidents, and some protesters were reportedly killed in other parts of the country. And tension is rising by the day. 

The different accounts in social media, including apparent misinformation and possibly fake news, have complicated the situation. People need to know what happened. Did the protesters suffer injuries, either non-fatal or fatal, from the alleged shooting by the army, as suspected? How many died? Where are the bodies of deceased persons? Has post mortem (PM) examination been carried out in line with existing Death Investigation Law of the jurisdiction? What are the PM findings? Are the findings able to clarify the mechanism of injury causation and support some reconstruction of the incidents? Are there forensic facilities, at the national or state levels, with requisite modern tools and expertise to undertake these tasks? Is the world ever going to know the facts of the alleged killings of peaceful protesters in some parts of the country?

In a globe where it is becoming increasingly difficult to separate facts from fiction, credible evidence is required, and forensic investigation is a veritable means of achieving it. The world needs factual answers on the alleged shooting of peaceful protesters at Lekki in Lagos. The relevant authorities need to follow through on this pathway. However, it is doubtful this tract will lead to any credible and definitive answers given the constricted forensic content.  It underscores the value of investing in forensic capacity. Facts!